Awning and portico kits

ABSTRACT

A roofing structure kit including: (A) first and second angled frame members defining, respectively, a first and second plurality of recesses; and (B) a pre-assembled roof assembly defining a plurality of elongated tabs adjacent its bottom surface. The frame members and roof assembly are adapted to allow a user to form a supplemental roofing structure on a building by: (A) mounting the first frame member on an outer wall of the building so that the first angled frame member extends outwardly and downwardly from the outer wall; (B) mounting the second frame member on an outer wall of the building so that the second angled frame member extends outwardly and downwardly from the outer wall; and (C) positioning the roof assembly on top of the first and second frame members so that each of the elongated tabs extends downwardly into a respective one of the first and second plurality of recesses.

BACKGROUND

Currently, when most consumers wish to add an awning or portico ontotheir home, they hire a skilled craftsman to build and/or install theawning or portico. This can be time consuming and expensive.Accordingly, there is a need for new products that make it possible forunskilled consumers to assemble and install awnings, porticos, or otherroof structures without assistance from a skilled professional.

SUMMARY OF VARIOUS EMBODIMENTS

A roofing structure kit according to various embodiments comprises: (1)a first angled frame member comprising a first roof support portion thatdefines a first plurality of recesses; (2) a second angled frame membercomprising a second roof support portion that defines a second pluralityof recesses; and (3) a pre-assembled roof assembly that includes aplurality of elongated tabs that extend from the roof assembly's bottomsurface. In particular embodiments, the frame members and roof assemblyare adapted to allow a user to form a supplemental roofing structure ona building by: (1) mounting the first angled frame member on an outerwall of the building so that the first roof support portion extendsoutwardly and downwardly from the outer wall; (2) mounting the secondangled frame member on an outer wall of the building so that the secondroof support portion extends outwardly and downwardly from the outerwall; and (3) positioning the roof assembly on top of the first andsecond frame members so that each of the elongated tabs extendsdownwardly into a respective one of the first and second plurality ofrecesses.

A roofing structure kit according to particular embodiments of theinvention comprises: (1) a first angled frame member; (2) a secondangled frame member; and (3) a pre-assembled roof assembly. In variousembodiments, the first angled frame member includes: (1) a first baseportion that is adapted to be mounted in a first at least substantiallyvertical orientation adjacent an existing building; and (2) a first roofsupport portion that defines a first plurality of recesses. Inparticular embodiments, when the first base portion is mounted in thefirst substantially vertical orientation, the first roof support portionextends outwardly and downwardly from the first base portion.

Also, in particular embodiments, the second angled frame membercomprises: (1) a second base portion that is adapted to be mounted in asecond substantially vertical orientation adjacent the building; and (2)a second roof support portion that defines a second plurality ofrecesses. When the second base portion is mounted in the secondsubstantially vertical orientation, the second roof support portionextends outwardly and downwardly from the second base portion.

In various embodiments, the pre-assembled roof assembly comprises: (1) aroof base structure; (2) a plurality of shingles that have beenpreinstalled on the roof base structure; and (3) a plurality ofelongated tabs that extend downwardly from a bottom surface of the roofbase structure. In various embodiments, the first angled frame member,the second angled frame member, and the roof assembly are collectivelyadapted so that a user may mount them to a building to form asupplemental roofing structure on the building by: (1) mounting thefirst base portion to the building in the first substantially verticalorientation so that the first roof support portion extends outwardly anddownwardly from the first base portion; (2) mounting the second baseportion to the building in the second substantially vertical orientationso that the second roof support portion extends outwardly and downwardlyfrom the second base portion; and (3) moving the roof assembly into aparticular position adjacent respective top surfaces of the first andsecond angled frame members. In particular embodiments, when the roofassembly is in the particular position, each of the roof assembly'selongated tabs extends downwardly into at least a respective one of thefirst and/or second plurality of recesses.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Having thus described various embodiments of the invention in generalterms, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, whichare not necessarily drawn to scale, and wherein:

FIG. 1A is a perspective view of a base frame member for use in aroofing structure kit according to various embodiments.

FIG. 1B is an elevation view of the base frame member of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 2A is a perspective view of an end angled frame member for use in aroofing structure kit according to various embodiments.

FIG. 2B is an elevation view of the end angled frame member of FIG. 2A.

FIG. 3A is a perspective view of a middle angled frame member for use ina roofing structure kit according to various embodiments.

FIG. 3B is an elevation view of the end angled frame member of FIG. 3A.

FIG. 4A is a top view of a roof assembly for use in a roofing structurekit according to various embodiments.

FIG. 4B is a bottom view of the roof assembly of FIG. 4A.

FIG. 4C is a side view of the roof assembly of FIG. 4A.

FIG. 5A is an elevation view of two of the base frame members of FIG. 1Ain an installed arrangement.

FIG. 5B is an elevation view of a base frame member according to analternative embodiment.

FIG. 6 is an elevation view of two of the base frame members of FIG. 1A,two of the end angled frame members of FIG. 2A, and the middle angledframe member of FIG. 3A in an installed arrangement.

FIG. 7 shows the roof assembly of FIG. 4A in a pre-installation positionadjacent the installed collection of kit parts shown in FIG. 6.

FIG. 8A is an elevation view of an assembled roof structure thatincludes the kit parts shown in FIG. 7.

FIG. 8B is a side view of the assembled roof structure of FIG. 8A.

FIG. 9A is a front elevation view of an assembled roof structure,according to a particular embodiment of the invention, that is in theform of a portico.

FIG. 9B is a side elevation view of the assembled portico of FIG. 9A.

FIG. 9C is a perspective view of the assembled portico of FIG. 9A.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF VARIOUS EMBODIMENTS

Various embodiments will now be described more fully hereinafter withreference to the accompanying drawings, in which various embodiments ofthe invention are shown. The inventions may, however, be embodied inmany different forms and should not be construed as limited to theembodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided sothat this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fullyconvey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. Likenumbers refer to like elements throughout.

Exemplary Roof Structure Kit

As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, a roof structure kit according to aparticular embodiment of the invention comprises the following parts:(1) a plurality of (e.g., two or more) base frame members 100; (2) aplurality of (e.g., two or more) end angled frame members 200; (3) atleast one middle angled frame member 250; (4) a roof assembly 300; and(5) suitable hardware for assembling the kit's frame members 100, 200,250 and roof assembly 300 into a roof structure (e.g., an awning or aportico). These parts are discussed in greater detail below.

Base Frame Members

An exemplary base frame member 100 is shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B. As maybe understood from these figures, a base frame member 100 according to aparticular embodiment is substantially P-shaped. In this embodiment, thebase frame member 100 comprises: (1) an elongated first side portion105; (2) an elongated second side portion 110 that is spaced apart from,and oriented substantially parallel to, the first side portion 105; (3)an elongated top portion 115; and (4) an elongated bottom portion 120that is spaced apart from, and oriented substantially parallel to, thetop portion 115. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, the firstand second side portions 105, 110 are substantially perpendicular to thetop and bottom portions 115, 120.

As shown in FIG. 1B, in particular embodiments, the second side portion110, top portion 115, bottom portion 120, and at least a part of thefirst side portion 105 of the base frame member 100 cooperate to form arectangle. A lower part of the first side portion 105 extends downwardlyfrom a lower corner of the rectangle.

In particular embodiments, the base frame member's first side portion105, second side portion 110, top portion 115, and bottom portion 120are all substantially in the form of a rectangular cuboid and are madeat least primarily of High Density Polyethylene (HDPE), another type ofsolid plastic, or wood. It should be understood, however, that thesecomponents may be made of any other suitable material.

End Angled Frame Members

An exemplary end angled frame member 200 is shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B. Asmay be understood from these figures, an end angled frame member 200according to a particular embodiment is substantially A-shaped. In thisembodiment, the end angled frame member 200 comprises: (1) an elongatedbase portion 205; (2) an elongated lower support portion 220 thatextends outwardly from a lower side surface of the elongated baseportion 205 so that the base portion 205 and lower support portion 220form an acute angle; (3) an elongated angled support portion 215 thatextends between a portion (e.g., an upper portion) of the base portion205 and a distal end of the lower support portion 220. As shown in FIGS.2A and 2B, the elongated angled support portion 215 extends downwardlyand away from the base portion 205. For example, in the embodimentshown, the elongated angled support portion 215 extends downwardly andaway from a top part of the base portion 205.

As shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, in particular embodiments, a part of thebase portion 205, a part of the angled support portion 215, and thelower support portion 220 cooperate to form a substantially triangularshape. Also, a lower part of the base portion 205 extends downwardlybeyond a lower corner of the triangular portion of the end angled framemember 200. Similarly, a lower part of the angled support portion 215extends downwardly beyond the end of the lower support portion 220.

In particular embodiments, the elongated base portion 205 and elongatedlower support portion 220 are substantially in the form of a rectangularcuboid and are made of High Density Polyethylene (HDPE), another type ofsubstantially solid plastic, or wood. It should be understood, however,that these components may be made of any other suitable material.

Also, in particular embodiments, such as the embodiment shown in FIGS.2A and 2B, the angled support portion 215 defines a plurality ofrecesses 234-238 that are dimensioned to receive (and, in variousembodiments, substantially mate with) corresponding tabs that extendfrom the lower surface of the kit's roof assembly 300. (See FIG. 8B).These recesses 234-238 are defined, respectively, between and/oradjacent protrusions 225-228 defined by the angled support portion'supper surface. In particular embodiments, these protrusions 225-228 arerespective, separate blocks that are attached to the rest of the angledsupport portion 215 by suitable fasteners, such as screws. However, inother embodiments, the protrusions 225-228 may be defined by anotherpart of the angled support portion 215.

Middle Angled Frame Member(s)

An exemplary middle angled frame member 250 is shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B.As may be understood from these figures, a middle angled frame member250 according to a particular embodiment is substantially triangular. Inthis embodiment, the middle angled frame member 250 comprises: (1) anelongated base portion 255; (2) an elongated lower support portion 270that extends outwardly from, and substantially perpendicular to, a lowersurface of the elongated base portion 255; (3) an elongated angledsupport portion 265 that extends between a portion (e.g., an upperportion) of the base portion 255 and a distal end of the lower supportportion 270. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the baseportion 255 and lower support portion 270 are substantiallyperpendicular to each other.

As shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, in particular embodiments, a part of thebase portion 255, a part of the angled support portion 265, and thelower support portion 270 cooperate to form a substantially triangularshape. In some embodiments, a lower part of the base portion 255 mayextend downwardly from a lower corner of the triangular portion of themiddle angled frame member 250. Similarly, in certain embodiments, alower part of the angled support portion 265 may extend downwardlybeyond the end of the lower support portion 270.

In particular embodiments, the elongated base portion 255 and elongatedlower support portion 270 are in the form of a rectangular cuboid andare made of High Density Polyethylene (HDPE), another type ofsubstantially solid plastic, or wood. It should be understood, however,that these components may be made of any other suitable material. Also,in particular embodiments, such as the embodiment shown in FIGS. 3A and3B, the angled support portion 265 defines a plurality of recesses279-283 that are dimensioned to receive (and, in various embodiments,substantially mate with) corresponding tabs 315-319 that extend from thelower surface of the kit's roof assembly 300. (See FIGS. 4B and 8B.)These recesses are defined, respectively, between or adjacentprotrusions 275-278 defined by the angled support portion's uppersurface. In particular embodiments, these protrusions 275-278 arerespective, separate blocks that are attached to the rest of the angledsupport portion 265 by suitable fasteners, such as screws. However, inother embodiments, the protrusions 275-278 may be defined by anotherportion of the angled support portion 265.

Roof Assembly

A roof assembly 300 according to various embodiments of the invention isshown in FIGS. 4A-4C, 7, 8A and 8B. As may be understood, in particular,from FIGS. 4A-4C, in particular embodiments, the roof assembly 300 issubstantially planar and defines a top surface 305 and a bottom surface310. In various embodiments, the roof assembly 300 defines a layer ofshingles 307 that are preinstalled on (e.g., are attached to) the topsurface 305 of the roof assembly 300.

As shown in FIGS. 4B and 4C, in particular embodiments, the roofassembly 300 includes a plurality of tabs 315-319 that extend downwardlyfrom, and substantially perpendicular to, the bottom surface 310 of theroof assembly 300. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 4A-4C, these tabsare elongated, substantially planar tabs 315-319 that form asubstantially parallel array adjacent the roof assembly's bottomsurface. In particular embodiments, each substantially planar tab315-319 is adapted to be substantially matingly positioned into at leastone recess 234-238 defined by at least one of the end angled framemembers 200 and/or at least one recess 279-283 defined by the middleangled frame member 250.

Hardware

In particular embodiments, the kit includes appropriate hardware forassembling the kit into a roof assembly and for attaching the variouselements of the assembled roof structure to a building. As will beunderstood by one skilled in the relevant field in light of thisdisclosure, such hardware may include, for example, screws, bolts,washers, nuts, nails, and the like.

Assembly of Exemplary Roof Structure Kit

In order to assemble the roof structure kit of FIGS. 1-4, a user firstattaches (using suitable hardware) two base frame members 100 to theexterior vertical surface of an exterior wall of a building (e.g., justabove the door of a building) as shown in FIG. 5A. In this arrangement,the respective first side portions 105 of the base frame members 100 arein a substantially vertical orientation and the base frame members 100are positioned so that: (1) they are co-facing; (2) their respective topportions 115 are in a substantially co-linear arrangement; (3) theirrespective bottom portions 120 are in a substantially co-lineararrangement; and (4) their respective second side portions 110 are eachin a substantially vertical orientation and spaced apart from each otherby a distance that is equal to about the width of the base portion 255of the middle angled frame member 250.

Next, turning to FIG. 6, the user installs an end angled frame member200 adjacent an outer lateral side edge of each respective base framemembers' first side portion. As shown in FIG. 6, the end angled framemembers 200 are installed so that they are substantially perpendicularto, and extend outwardly from, the vertical wall surface to which theyare attached. In particular embodiments, each base frame member 100engages a respective end angled frame member 200, and the base framemembers 100 extend substantially all the way between the respective endangled frame members 200.

Next, the user attaches a middle angled frame member 250 to the verticalwall surface so that: (1) the middle angled frame member's base portion255 is disposed immediately adjacent and between the respective secondside portions of the base frame members 100; and (2) the middle angledframe member's angled support portion 265 is at least substantiallyperpendicular to the vertical wall surface. In various embodiments, theupper surface of the middle angled frame member 250 and the respectiveupper surfaces of the two end angled frame members 200 all liesubstantially in a plane that forms an angle of between 10 and 30degrees (e.g., about 25 degrees) with the horizontal. Also, inparticular embodiments, the respective recesses within the middle angledframe member 250 and end angled framed frame members 200 form parallelarrays of substantially collinear recesses, as shown in FIG. 7.

After the base frame members 100, end angle frame members 200, andmiddle angled frame member 250 are installed as shown in FIG. 6, thekit's roof assembly 300 is lowered (e.g., by two people) onto the uppersurfaces of the middle angled frame member 250 and the two end angledframe members 200. During this process, each of the roof assembly's tabs315-319 is positioned so that it is disposed within: (1) a recessdefined by the left end angled frame member 200; (2) a recess defined bythe middle angled frame member 250; and (3) a recess defined by theright end angled frame member 200. (These recesses may be, for example,co-linear.) In various embodiments, the tabs 315-319 are dimensioned tomatingly engage the respective frame members 200, 250 when the tabs315-319 are disposed within these recesses (see FIGS. 7 and 8A-8B).

After the roof assembly's tabs are disposed in place within the framemembers' recesses, the roof assembly 300 may be repositioned so that itis laterally centered on the end angled frame members 200, and themiddle angled frame member 250. The user may then use appropriatehardware to secure the roof assembly 300 in place on the assembled framestructure. Once assembled, the completed roof structure may provideadditional shelter above, for example, a particular door or window.

As shown in FIGS. 9A-9C, in particular embodiments, the roofingstructure kit may include one or more columns 341, 342 that may beinstalled, respectively, adjacent the roof structure's respective outercorners. In such embodiments, the roof structure and columns 341, 342cooperate to form a portico. It should be understood that, in FIGS.9A-9C, the various elements of the roof structure correspond generallyto the corresponding elements of the roof structure shown, for example,in FIG. 8A. However, in certain embodiments, the length of the baseportions of the roof structure's end angled frame members 200A may beshorter than those of the embodiment shown in FIG. 8A (see, for example,FIG. 9B). This may be possible, for example, due to the additionalsupport provided by the columns 341, 342.

Packaging of Roof Structure Kit

In particular embodiments, the roof structure kit may be adapted to fitinto a box (such as a standard rectangular box) for easy shipping. Toaid in packaging the kit, some or all of the kit's frame members 100,200, 250 and/or the kit's roof assembly 300 may be substantially planar.This allows the components to fit (for example, in a substantiallystacked arrangement) within a cardboard box that is substantially in theform of a rectangular cuboid.

Alternative Embodiments

It should be understood that while the roof structure kit's variouscomponents are shown as having particular shapes and relative dimensionsin the enclosed figures, the kit's components may be in the form of avariety of different, suitable structures. For example, while the baseframe members 100 are shown, in FIGS. 1A and 1B, as being substantiallyP-shaped, the base frame members 100 may be, for example, in the form ofanother shape (e.g., O-shaped). Similarly, while the end angled framemember 200 and middle angled frame member 250 are shown, respectively,as being substantially A-shaped and triangular, these components may bein the form of another suitable shape (e.g., the end angled frame member200 may be in the form of a standard triangle or other shape).

Also, while the kit's roof assembly 300 is shown, in FIGS. 3A and 3B asbeing substantially planar, in alternative embodiments, the roofassembly 300 may be non-planar (e.g., peaked).

In addition, while the roof structure kit is shown as including a singlemiddle angled frame member 200, in alternative embodiments, the kit mayinclude multiple middle angled frame members 200 for providingadditional support for the middle portion of the roof assembly 300. Itshould also be understood that the total number of each kit componentmay vary from embodiment to embodiment.

Also, various embodiments described herein are described as beingportico or awning kits, it should be understood that the kits may alsobe used to build other structures, such as other roofing structures.

Similarly, various frame components may be replaced with other types andshapes of frame components. For example, in some embodiments of theinvention, three parts of the kit shown in the enclosed figures (the twosubstantially P-shaped base frame members 100 and the middle angledframe member 250) are replaced by the single frame member 100A shown inFIG. 5B. In this embodiment, the base frame member 100A comprises: (1)an elongated first side portion 105A; (2) an elongated second sideportion 110A that is spaced apart from, and oriented substantiallyparallel to, the first side portion 105A; (3) an elongated top portion115A; and (4) an elongated bottom portion 120A that is spaced apartfrom, and oriented substantially parallel to, the top portion 115A. Inthe embodiment shown in FIG. 5B, the first and second side portions105A, 110A are substantially perpendicular to the base frame member'stop and bottom portions 115A, 120A.

As shown in FIG. 5B, in particular embodiments, at least a part of thesecond side portion 110A, top portion 115A, bottom portion 120A, and atleast a part of the first side portion 105A of the base frame member100A cooperate to form a rectangle. A lower part of the first sideportion 105A extends downwardly from a lower corner of the rectangle.Similarly, a lower part of the second side portion 110A extendsdownwardly from a lower corner of the rectangle.

In particular embodiments, the base frame member's first side portion105A, second side portion 110A, top portion 115A, and bottom portion120A are all substantially in the form of a rectangular cuboid and aremade at least primarily of High Density Polyethylene (HDPE), anothertype of solid plastic, or wood. It should be understood, however, thatthese components may be made of any other suitable material.

In various embodiment, the base frame member 100A is used insubstantially the same way as the first and second base frame members100 shown in FIGS. 5A, 6, and 7, except that the base frame member 100Adoes not engage a middle angled frame member 250. (This situation mayoccur, for example, in a smaller embodiment that does not include amiddle angled frame member.) In particular, in various embodiments, thebase frame member 100A is positioned relative to the end angled framemembers 200 so the first and second side portions 105A, 110A of the baseframe member 100A are in substantially the same configuration andposition as the two first side portions 105 of the respective base framemembers 100 shown in FIG. 7.

CONCLUSION

Many modifications and other embodiments of the invention will come tomind to one skilled in the art to which this invention pertains havingthe benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions andthe associated drawings. For example, as will be understood by oneskilled in the relevant field in light of this disclosure, the inventionmay take form in a variety of different mechanical and operationalconfigurations. Therefore, it is to be understood that the invention isnot to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed and thatmodifications and other embodiments are intended to be included withinthe scope of the appended exemplary concepts. Although specific termsare employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive senseonly and not for the purposes of limitation.

1. A roofing structure kit comprising: (A) a first angled frame membercomprising: (1) a first base portion that is adapted to be mounted in afirst at least substantially vertical orientation adjacent an existingbuilding; and (2) a first roof support portion, wherein: (a) said firstroof support portion is configured so that when said first base portionis mounted in said first substantially vertical orientation, said firstroof support portion extends outwardly and downwardly from said firstbase portion, and (b) said first roof support portion defines a firstplurality of recesses; (B) a second angled frame member comprising: (1)a second base portion that is adapted to be mounted in a secondsubstantially vertical orientation adjacent said building; (2) a secondroof support portion, wherein: (a) said second roof support isconfigured so that when said second base portion is mounted in saidsecond substantially vertical orientation, said second roof supportportion extends outwardly and downwardly from said second base portion,and (b) said second roof support portion defines a second plurality ofrecesses; and (C) a pre-assembled roof assembly comprising: (1) a roofbase structure; (2) a plurality of shingles that have been preinstalledon said roof base structure; and (3) a plurality of elongated tabs thatextend downwardly from a bottom surface of said roof base structure,wherein: said first angled frame member, said second angled framemember, and said roof assembly are collectively adapted so that a usermay mount them to said building to form a supplemental roofing structureon said building by: (a) mounting said first base portion to saidbuilding in said first substantially vertical orientation so that saidfirst roof support portion extends outwardly and downwardly from saidfirst base portion; (b) mounting said second base portion to saidbuilding in said second substantially vertical orientation so that saidsecond roof support portion extends outwardly and downwardly from saidsecond base portion; and (c) moving said roof assembly into a particularposition adjacent respective top surfaces of said first and secondangled frame members, wherein when said roof assembly is in saidparticular position, each of said elongated tabs extends downwardly intoat least a respective one of said first or second plurality of recesses.2. The roofing structure kit of claim 1, wherein: when said roofassembly is in said particular position, each of said elongated tabsextends downwardly into: at least one of said first plurality ofrecesses, and at least one of said second plurality of recesses.
 3. Theroofing structure kit of claim 2, wherein: said roofing structure kitcomprises one or more support columns; and said supplemental roofingstructure is a portico.
 4. The roofing structure kit of claim 2,wherein, when said roof assembly is in said particular position, atleast one of said elongate tabs matingly engages: said first roofsupport portion adjacent at least one of said first plurality ofrecesses, and said second roof support portion adjacent at least one ofsaid second plurality of recesses.
 5. The roofing structure kit of claim1, wherein said first and second angled frame members are substantiallyA-shaped.
 6. The roofing structure kit of claim 5, wherein said firstand second angled frame members are substantially planar.
 7. The roofingstructure kit of claim 6, wherein said roof assembly is substantiallyplanar.
 8. The roofing structure kit of claim 1, wherein said roofingstructure kit comprises at least two substantially P-shaped framestructures that are adapted to be mounted in a co-facing arrangementbetween said first and second angled frame members so that: a first ofsaid P-shaped frame structures engages a lateral portion of said firstangled frame member and thereby provides lateral support to said firstangled frame member; and a second of said P-shaped frame structuresengages a lateral portion of said second angled frame member and therebyprovides lateral support to said second angled frame member.
 9. Theroofing structure kit of claim 8, wherein: (A) said roofing structurekit comprises a third angled frame member comprising: (1) a third baseportion that is adapted to be mounted in a third substantially verticalorientation adjacent said building; (2) a third roof support portion,wherein: (a) said third roof support portion is configured so that whensaid third base portion is mounted in said third substantially verticalorientation, said third roof support portion extends outwardly anddownwardly from said third base portion, and (b) said third roof supportportion defines a third plurality of recesses; and (B) when said thirdangled frame member is in said third substantially vertical orientation,said third angled frame member is disposed between and engages saidfirst and second P-shaped frame members.
 10. The roofing structure kitof claim 9, wherein: when said roof assembly is in said particularposition, each of said elongated tabs extends downwardly into: at leastone of said first plurality of recesses, at least one of said secondplurality of recesses, and at least one of said third plurality ofrecesses.
 11. A roofing structure kit comprising: (A) a first angledframe member comprising: (1) a first base portion that is adapted to bemounted in a first orientation adjacent an existing building; (2) afirst roof support portion, wherein: (a) said first roof support isconfigured so that when said first base portion is mounted in said firstorientation, said first roof support portion extends outwardly anddownwardly from said first base portion, and (b) said first roof supportportion defines a first plurality of recesses; (B) a second angled framemember comprising: (1) a second base portion that is adapted to bemounted in a second orientation adjacent said building; (2) a secondroof support portion, wherein: (a) said second roof support isconfigured so that when said second base portion is mounted in saidsecond orientation, said second roof support portion extends outwardlyand downwardly from said second base portion, and (b) said second roofsupport portion defines a second plurality of recesses; and (C) apre-assembled roof assembly comprising: (1) a roof base structure; (2) aplurality of shingles that have been preinstalled on said roof basestructure; and (3) a plurality of elongated tabs that extend downwardlyfrom a bottom surface of said roof base structure, wherein: said firstangled frame member, said second angled frame member, and said roofassembly are collectively adapted so that a user may mount them to saidbuilding to form a supplemental roofing structure on said building by:(a) mounting said first base portion to said building in said firstorientation so that said first roof support portion extends outwardlyand downwardly from said first base portion; (b) mounting said secondbase portion to said building in said second orientation so that saidsecond roof support portion extends outwardly and downwardly from saidsecond base portion; and (c) moving said roof assembly into a particularposition adjacent respective top surfaces of said first and secondangled frame members, wherein when said roof assembly is in saidparticular position, each of said elongated tabs extends downwardly intoat least a respective one of said first or second plurality of recesses.12. The roofing structure kit of claim 11, wherein, when said roofassembly is in said particular position, each of said elongated tabsextends downwardly into: at least one of said first plurality ofrecesses, and at least one of said second plurality of recesses.
 13. Theroofing structure kit of claim 12, wherein, when said roof assembly isin said particular position, at least one of said elongate tabs matinglyengages: said first roof support portion adjacent at least one of saidfirst plurality of recesses, and said second roof support portionadjacent at least one of said second plurality of recesses.
 14. Theroofing structure kit of claim 11, wherein: said roofing structure kitcomprises one or more support columns; and said supplemental roofingstructure is a portico.
 15. A roofing structure kit comprising: (A) afirst angled frame member comprising a first roof support portion thatdefines a first plurality of recesses; (B) a second angled frame membercomprising a second roof support portion that defines a second pluralityof recesses; and (C) a pre-assembled roof assembly defining a pluralityof elongated tabs that extend from a bottom surface of said roofassembly, wherein: the frame members and roof assembly are adapted toallow a user to form a supplemental roofing structure on a building by:(A) mounting the first frame member on an outer wall of the building sothat the first roof support portion extends outwardly and downwardlyfrom the outer wall; (B) mounting the second frame member on an outerwall of the building so that the second roof support portion extendsoutwardly and downwardly from the outer wall; and (C) positioning theroof assembly on top of the first and second frame members so that eachof the elongated tabs extends downwardly into a respective one of thefirst and second plurality of recesses.
 16. The roofing structure kit ofclaim 15, wherein: when said roof assembly is in said particularposition, at least one of said elongate tabs matingly engages: saidfirst roof support portion adjacent at least one of said first pluralityof recesses, and said second roof support portion adjacent at least oneof said second plurality of recesses.